An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 6.2 has jolted eastern Japan, the Japan Meteorological Agency says. No tsunami warning has been issued.

The quake shook buildings in Tokyo, but there were no immediate reports of injuries or damage. Tokyo Electric Power Co said there were not reports of irregularities at its Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant in northeastern Japan or at its other nuclear facilities.

The quake, at 4.23pm (8.23pm NZT), was centred in Tochigi prefecture about 120km from Tokyo at a depth of 10km.

A massive March 11, 2011, earthquake and tsunami killed nearly 19,000 people and devastated the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant, triggering meltdowns, spewing radiation and forcing about 160,000 people to flee from their homes.